BJP Nominates RG Kar Victim's Mother for Bengal Assembly Elections
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its third list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections on Wednesday evening. The list, containing 19 names, brings the total number of candidates selected by the party to 275, with 19 seats still awaiting nominees, including prominent constituencies like Chowringhee, Krishnanagar (North), and five in Murshidabad.
Victim's Mother Enters Political Arena
The most notable nomination is that of the mother of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-and-murder victim, who will contest from her home constituency. This move follows intense speculation since August 2024 about her potential candidacy. On March 19, she publicly expressed her desire to serve as a BJP MLA, stating, "I appeal to people from all walks of life to support me. A long time has passed since my daughter's brutal murder, but we are yet to get justice."
She emphasized her political motivations, saying, "I have chosen a political platform because I want to fight for justice through the electoral process. Ensuring women's safety in this state and eradicating corruption in government hospitals—the very corruption that made my daughter, a brilliant medical student, pay with her life—are my main objectives."
Family and Campaign Details
Her husband announced that their election campaign would commence on Thursday, highlighting overwhelming public support. He remarked, "We are receiving overwhelming support. Many have said they will stand by us. Our victory is almost certain. But this is not just about electoral politics, it is about protecting the public interest and preventing another RG Kar-like incident."
Backlash from Activists
However, the decision has faced criticism from activists, particularly those involved in the 'Reclaim the Night' movement, which emerged in response to the horrific crime on August 9, 2024. Rimjhim Sinha, a leading member, expressed disappointment, stating, "I am unimaginably hurt that they joined a party which garlands rapists and upholds patriarchy, as a response to what happened in Aug 2024. Bilkis Bano, Kathua, Unnao... it's heartbreaking to keep count."
Satabdi Das, gender activist and convenor of 'Reclaim the Night United,' added, "Her decision to contest the polls as a BJP candidate is not at all commendable. We believe it won't bring justice to any victim, including her daughter."
Political Strategy and Rival Reactions
The BJP leadership believes fielding the victim's mother will consolidate anti-Trinamool Congress votes. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya explained, "Public outrage swelled over the rape and murder of the doctor. We are preparing our lists and manifesto in consultation with a cross section of society. She came to us and said she wanted to protest the lawlessness in the state and needed a chance to do so. She realised that the BJP is the only force that can dislodge this government. We admired her fighting spirit and decided to nominate her."
In contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticized the move as "doublespeak." TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh questioned, "Kolkata Police had arrested the killer within 24 hours. The parents moved court seeking a CBI probe. CBI restated the findings of the police probe. It was they who said CBI was compromised. Who runs CBI? They claimed their requests to meet the PM and the Union home minister, even for a minute, were not granted. So why this change of heart? Why this doublespeak?"
Electoral Competition
Adding to the electoral dynamics, the Left Front has nominated Kalatan Dasgupta, a prominent figure from the RG Kar protests, from the same constituency, setting the stage for a closely watched contest.
